Hobo Gulch is one of the best kept secrets and the most rustic and isolated of the three trailheads mentioned. It is moderately used by equestrians year-round and in the Fall (October) heavily used by deer hunters. But during the summer time it is relatively unused compared to the other trailheads mentioned. Trail map [131K JPEG].
Once you pack your stuff and lock your car, the ultimate destinations from Hobo Gulch trailhead are either Papoose Lake or Grizzly Lake, both glaciated lakes carved out of granite. Both of these alpine lakes are well worth reaching because of their extraordinary amphitheater-like settings and solitude. Papoose Lake is about 13 miles away, while Grizzly Lake is about 17 miles away. Closer destinations exist between these lakes such as Rattlesnake Camp right along the North Fork of the Trinity River (4 miles from the trailhead) or Jorstad's Cabin (8 miles from the trailhead). To see the spectacular high alpine country, however, you must hike toward these destination lakes.
Here I will explain how to follow the Grizzly Lake Route, a longer route in which you should allow at least four (4) days to complete. Five days is much better, however, so that you can relax a little or climb to the top of 9000 foot Thompson Peak.
Directions:To reach Hobo Gulch trailhead, continue past Junction City for about 10 miles, where you first cross the Trinity River. You will see a sign saying "Helena 1/4 mile," which is a narrow road to the right (coming from Redding) or marked as "East Fork Road." Take this scenic road for a few miles until you see a dirt road veering to the left with a sign saying "Hobo Gulch/North Fork of the Trinity" 12 miles ahead. The journey from here will take you about an hour because travel is slow on this gravel road.
Best Part: solitude & remoteness, great backpacking for longer than a weekend, rustic setting[ Home | Index | Photo Gallery ]
